Course coordinator
Associate Professor Margaret Cook
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course will introduce students to the scope of occupational health and safety practice (OHS) within Australia and internationally. Topics covered will include, the history of OHS, the role of risk management in OHS practice, the health and economic consequences of occupational injury and disease, national and international bodies with regulatory and advisory roles in OHS and the tools available to OHS professionals for the control and minimisation of workplace injury and illness. Students will be exposed to a range of OHS professionals and their roles in the prevention of injury and illness in the workplace.
OHSS1000 has been developed to provide an overview of the impact work has on society, and the role everyone can play in eliminating fatalities, injury and disease attributed to work. Through a range of online readings and worksheets students will develop an understanding of the importance of occupational health and safety and gain basic skills in OHS risk management.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This is a popular elective with students from all Faculties across UQ, including Study Abroad students. All students are welcome and no prior knowledge is assumed, just an interest in making the workplace safer and healthier.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
OHSS7000 (co-taught)
Course contact
Course coordinator
Ms Amanda Lacey
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Margaret Cook
Ms Amanda Lacey
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course is offered in external mode only in Semester 2, it is designed as a fully self-directed study mode, but optional weekly drop-in sessions are offered. If you wish to study this course internally, you should enrol in Semester 1.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to introduce students to the key concepts of occupational health and safety.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of occupational health and safety principles and practice in the prevention of workplace illness and disease.
LO2.
Identify and use the basic concepts of OHS risk management.
LO3.
Demonstrate an understanding of the roles of the various OHS professionals in the prevention of workplace illness and disease.
LO4.
Identify and evaluate the hazards which may be present in common workplaces and determine appropriate control strategies.
LO5.
Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity in recognising and appreciating the lived experiences of workers and understand how these stories drive the pursuit of decent work for all.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Worksheets
|
45% |
Worksheet #1: The impact of work globally 15/08/2025 2:00 pm Worksheet #2: Accident Investigation 5/09/2025 2:00 pm Worksheet #3: Risk assessment in practice 19/09/2025 2:00 pm |
| Reflection |
Reflection
|
15% |
10/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Worksheets
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
Worksheet #1: The impact of work globally 15/08/2025 2:00 pm
Worksheet #2: Accident Investigation 5/09/2025 2:00 pm
Worksheet #3: Risk assessment in practice 19/09/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
Task description
Each week students are required to engage with the module content and undertake a range of embedded activities. For THREE (3) select weeks students will be required to submit completed worksheets which can be found in the Blackboard folder. The select modules are:
Module 2: The impact of work globally
Module 4: Accident investigation
Module 6: Risk assessment in practice
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Reflection
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
10/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Students are required to write a personal reflection on content from Modules 1-6 inclusive.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
The End of Semester Exam will present a case study which will require consideration of all the material covered in the course.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle
In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
You must obtain 45% or more on the End of Semester Exam.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to the UQ website for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
Turnitin
By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after five days, will receive zero.
In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 1: Work and OHS: A History lesson An introduction to OHSS1000. A review of the history of OHS, with reference to Ancient Egypt, the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, the Renaissance mining boom, the founding of occupational medicine, and the introduction of OHS legislation in the 18th century. |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 2: Decent work for all - an ILO Sustainability goal This topic presents the global perspective of workplace fatalities, including reference to the ILO's Decent Work program and a discussion of modern slavery. |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 3: Getting sick: work-related disease and illness Students are introduced to the specialist field of "Occupational Health". The management of disease and illness in the workplace is discussed, including reference to International bodies such as the World Health Organisation and the International Labour Organisation. |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 4: Accidents: When it all goes wrong This topic introduces accident investigation and discusses different theoretical models for accident analysis. |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 5: What is Risk? An introduction to the field of Risk Management. Risk terminology is presented. The field of risk perception is also explored with student's reflection on their own attitude towards risk. |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 6: Spot the hazard and assess the risk Students are introduced to the concepts of OHS risk management, including the hierarchy of controls. Discussion includes how to meet legal obligations for risk assessments, in particular how to take risk assessments beyond paperwork. |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 7: Managing OHS risk: How to make work safer An introduction to OHS management, in particular the role of safe places and safe people. The concepts of safety culture and safety climate are introduced, along with reference to the concept of resilience engineering. |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 8: Queensland OHS Legislation An introduction to the Queensland WHS Regulatory framework, including an overview of the historical development and current status. |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
In-semester break |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 9: Plant and Machinery Safety An introduction to hazards and controls for plant and machinery in the workplace. |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 10: Psychosocial Hazards: stress and violence at work An introduction to stress, violence and bullying in the workplace. Including a review of current preventative strategies. |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 11: Occupational Hygiene: Chemicals at work An overview of the discipline of Occupational Hygiene, introduction to key concepts such as ALARA, workplace exposure standards, routes of entry. Review of legislative requirements in respect to hazardous substances and dangerous goods. Including a detailed review of the the Hazardous Chemicals Regulations, including an introduction to the ChemWatch software. |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 12: Ergonomics - optimising human performance An overview of the discipline of Occupational Ergonomics, with particular reference to the concepts of manual tasks and cognitive ergonomics. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.